10 Things To Do About Empty Nest Syndrome

If you aren’t old enough to know what I mean, just wait. But for those of you who have the empty nest syndrome looming on the horizon, I’m sure you can identify.

The empty nest syndrome is a very real thing. Some parents are counting the years and days until they enter it, while others are holding on to every last second of their kids’ childhood for dear life. And the latter group sometimes endures a bit of a life crisis when the last kid leaves the nest.

Not all people are depressed when their children grow up, however. Some find it a time to rejoice, and to finally have time for themselves so they can do what they want to do.

While the empty nest syndrome might be unwelcome for some, for others, it’s time to have fun. Here are some things you can do during the empty nest phase so you don’t get dragged down.

# Prepare – mentally and physically

You don’t want to just start freaking out once your last child moves out and you take them to college. You need to mentally and physically prepare. Talk to yourself, and come to terms with the fact that your house will be free of children soon. It’s never too early to start preparing.

# Re-frame things

People with the empty nest syndrome can wallow in the negatives. They are so focused on missing their children that they can’t see the positives. But don’t do that! For everything you think you’ve lost, think of at least one thing that you have gained. Even if it’s just the fact that your kids aren’t messing up the house anymore!

# Make a new plan for the relationships with your children

Obviously, you won’t be able to see them every day like you did when they were little. But that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to them all the time.

The technological revolution has given us tools such as text, email, Skyping, and Facetime. So, use these tools to stay connected.

# Seek and accept support

Maybe there’s a group for people who are experiencing the empty nest syndrome. If so, why not join it? Or just make sure you talk about your feelings with your friends, especially if they have been through it. They can help you deal with your new life phase.

# Focus on your career or start a new one

If you’re getting a new start in your personal life, why not make sure that your professional one has your full attention now? Maybe start a new business if you feel like you want to. Or go for a promotion or a career change. This will easily re-focus your attention away from your empty house.

# Re-build your marriage, or find a new relationship if you’re single

If you don’t want to end up another divorce statistic, then re-discover your spouse and work on your marriage. Or maybe you’ve been a single parent all these years, so now is the time to get back out there and find another fish in the sea.

# Make new friends

Maybe your marriage is just fine or you don’t feel like dating *if you’re singe*, then how about making new friends? Join clubs, volunteer, or do just about anything where you can meet new people to occupy the time you have on your hands now.

# Take classes

How about going finishing your college degree or going on for another one? Or if maybe you’ve always wanted to try art classes, why not consider that? The point is to keep learning. You will not be sorry because you’re working on bettering yourself.

# Find a new hobby

Is there something you’ve always wanted to try, but you never had the time because you were too busy raising children? Now is the time! Maybe you could take up yoga, running, reading, or woodworking. Having a new hobby is an awesome way to pass the time.

# Travel

If you love to travel, this is the perfect time of your life to do it. You no longer have to be around for everything your children do. You can travel the world and explore everyplace you’ve ever wanted to go.